Gallery: Gyotaku prints by Dwight Hwang

After spending more than 20 years in the film industry, artist Dwight Hwang found his calling in gyotaku, a Japanese folk art first used by fishers to document their catches. To craft his detailed prints, he sources fish and other sea creatures—often from chefs, commercial fishers, or marine biologists—then brushes on sumi ink and carefully lays handmade washi paper on top, rubbing gently so the ink transfers. “If everything is done correctly, I’ll get an image that captures the essence of the specimen,” says Hwang. “When something dies, it’s very important to tell their story.”